Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) is attempts a layup against Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk (13) and Elias Harris during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Gonzaga won 94-87. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) is attempts a layup against Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk (13) and Elias Harris during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash. on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Gonzaga

Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) attempts a jump shot against Gonzaga's Elias Harris (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash., on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Baylor's Isaiah Austin (21) attempts a jump shot against Gonzaga's Elias Harris (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash., on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Kansas guard Travis Releford and forward Jamari Traylor (31) work for a rebound against Baylor center Isaiah Austin, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Monday,

Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) fights to maintain control of the ball as Lamar guard Hondo Webb (5) attempts to knock it loose in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Waco, Texas. Austin had a game-high 23-points in the 85-68 Baylor win. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Baylor center Isaiah Austin (21) fights to maintain control of the ball as Lamar guard Hondo Webb (5) attempts to knock it loose in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 12,

Baylor's Cory Jefferson, right, loses the ball while driving on Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 64-54.

Baylor's Cory Jefferson, right, loses the ball while driving on Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 64-54.

Isaiah Austin said that Drew talked defense with him before he became a Bear, but acknowledged other topics were discussed.

But once together, the two imposing big men have developed into one of the most formidable defensive units for the 13-5 Bears.

“Tall and long, that's how we like it,” Drew said about his “Twin Towers.” “They are very disruptive.”

Austin, a 7-foot-1 freshman, was one of the nation's most heralded recruits. But the 6-9 Jefferson, who arrived at college weighing only 175 pounds, had to wait three seasons before earning his starting role as a redshirt junior.

The pair has developed a unique kinship while contesting shots in the paint.

“I really can't tell you where it's come from,” said Austin, who averages 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.38 blocks. “In practice working against each other, we beat each other up almost every day. But once the games come along, we just want to beat other people up.”

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Jefferson and Austin have really come along since Big 12 play started, topped by their monster tandem performance in the Bears' victory over Oklahoma State on Monday night.

Austin produced 10 points and 14 rebounds, and Jefferson chipped in with 11 points and 11 boards in a 64-54 victory. Jefferson blocked six shots and Austin rejected five, helping boost an interior defense that limited OSU to 34.9 percent shooting from the field.

It is only the second time in Big 12 history two teammates posted double-doubles in points and rebounds with at least five blocks in the same game.

“Defensively, we just wanted to protect the rim,” said Jefferson, who averages 13.1 points, 8.6 boards and 2.33 blocks. “Me and Isaiah feel like we're some of the best shot blockers in the Big 12, and we wanted to come out and let everyone know that.”

They did that and more, playing a crucial role in recently transforming the Bears' defense. Their value has been especially critical in conference play, helping the Bears (13-5) to a 4-1 start heading into today's game at TCU.

That mark is marred only by a 66-41 road loss to then-No. 4 Kansas on Jan. 14, a game that still stings for the Bears. In fact, it helped spark their renewed emphasis on defense.

“We wanted to put on a show, especially after the way we played at Kansas last week,” Baylor guard Pierre Jackson told reporters after the Oklahoma State victory. “People tend to say we're soft and can't play defense. Check the numbers. We've held nearly everyone below their average.”

The biggest reason has been the two big men.

Since the KU game, the Bears are limiting opponents to 31.5 percent shooting and an average of 46 points per game.

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mySA.com/sports: Get a look at Baylor's own version of the “Twin Towers” — Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson.

In Big 12 contests, the Bears lead the conference in defensive field-goal percentage and fewest points allowed.

Drew said he has been pleased with his team's defensive growth, but still wants more.

“I know in the non-conference, we were better offensively than we were defensively,” Drew said. “So I don't want to jinx anything. But I think we're getting better at knowing how our rotations need to be and what we need to do. And I think players are really doing a good job of listening to scouting reports and following through.”